What Are the Five Things You Need to Live Off the Grid?

For some, the idea of doing without municipal services is a nightmare. For others, it’s the culmination of a long-held dream. Living off the grid means it’s just you and nature existing harmoniously side-by-side. No building codes, no dependency on the power grid, no monthly payment to the trash collection service. If you currently live in a home that depends upon the energy grid, it’s not just a matter of snipping the wires. It requires resourcefulness and the ability to adapt to an unfamiliar way of life. Five things top the list of what you need make it in your new off-grid lifestyle.

The Right Mindset

A spirit of independence and a commitment to a sustainable lifestyle is required to make a successful go of off-grid living. You won’t escape society entirely; even self-sufficient residents pay property taxes. Living off grid means different things to different people. Some want modern conveniences and large power-generating stations. Others are happier taking a step back in time and living with rustic forms of heating and food storage. Going off-grid can be an expensive proposition if you try to replace all the modern amenities you now have. If you don’t mind hard work, sacrifice and jack rabbits as your nearest neighbors, an off-gird lifestyle might be in your future.

The Right Site

The best spot for an off-grid home is in a remote region where building codes don’t apply. This doesn’t mean you have to buy an isolated lot at the top of a rugged mountain. Look for sparsely populated counties in regions where you like the climate and scenery. A quick call to the county building authority will determine whether restrictive codes and covenants exist. You need legal access as well. During the purchase of the land, make sure you will always have a legal right to use any existing roads, paths or waterways to reach your land.

Power Generation System

With today’s alternate power technology, off-grid residents can generate their own electricity, but power systems can be expensive and they require the use of large batteries for energy storage. A sustainable power source depends upon the geography of the lot. High trees can block the wind, making a wind turbine unsuitable, and southern exposure is necessary to power a solar system. To use hydropower, the lot must have an all-season river or creek. On a calm or cloudy day, wind and solar systems won’t produce energy. Running the refrigerator, water heater and stove on propane, and using wood to produce heat, will conserve electricity. It’s also a good idea to invest in a backup generator. Through 2016 and maybe longer, taxpayers can receive an energy credit when filing their income taxes for installing some types of renewable energy systems. (See Reference 1)

Water Collection System

A site with a reliable water supply is essential to off-grid living, and buyers can stipulate finding potable water on the property as a contingency of their land-buying contract. A drilled water well is standard and requires the use of a pump and a large collection tank for water storage. Wells used for drinking water should be regularly tested and treated, if necessary, to ensure water safety. Rain barrels can supplement supply, especially for gardening needs, or depending on your location's annual rainfall, provide most or all of the water for household needs. Collecting water from a nearby stream sounds simple, but the risk of contamination from animal feces, bacteria and other pollutants necessitates the use of water filtration and purification systems, which might require additional solar power units to operate.

Waste Disposal System

Even in areas without building codes, you’ll probably run into sewage regulations. Indiscriminately disposing of waste isn’t healthy for anyone and most local health departments, in addition to the Environmental Protection Agency, require safe waste disposal. Allowable off-grid options include septic tanks with buried leach fields and open-air lagoon pits. Composting toilets are acceptable in many regions. Personal septic systems require ongoing maintenance and inspections to keep them functioning correctly. (see Reference 2)

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